Following a standout season that saw the Girard High School Volleyball team reach the state tournament, Head Coach Christen Jackson is entering the offseason with a focus on rebuilding, retooling, and re-energizing her program.
Offseason Focus: Respecting the Multi-Sport Athlete
At Girard, being a three-sport athlete is more common than not. Coach Jackson emphasizes balance and respect for other school programs, knowing her athletes juggle multiple commitments. “Many of my girls play basketball, softball, or run track. Some will go to those practices and then head to their club volleyball practices afterward,” she shared. “They work hard year-round, and I want to support that effort while still preparing for our season.”
Summer Schedule: Bonding & Skill Development
The summer months are a critical time for team bonding and player growth. In June, the team participates in a week-long team camp led by Coach Jackson, along with competition in the Frontenac summer league each Monday evening. In July, they’ll take part in the Southeast High School Tournament, offering valuable experience before tryouts and the preseason officially kicks off.
Coach Jackson also works with small groups during the summer to refine specific skills—part of her hands-on approach to developing the next generation of Trojan standouts.
Major Roster Turnover
Girard’s roster will look very different this fall. The team graduated five varsity seniors who were key to last season’s success: Graci Murphy, Lynsey Bryant, Alaina McGown, Rachel Bennett, and Kaylee Davied. “They were a core part of our team and our identity,” Jackson noted. “Replacing them will be a big task, but we have younger players ready to step up.”
While she won’t finalize the roster until after the first week of August practices, she plans to use the summer months to experiment with rotations and lineups, treating it like a puzzle to find the most cohesive and competitive group.
Players to Watch
Returning seniors Maddie Coester, Erika Boatman, and Megan Bennett all saw consistent varsity time last season and will be pivotal in leading this year’s squad. Their experience and leadership will be key as Coach Jackson builds a new team identity around them.
Challenges Ahead
Two of the biggest positions to fill are setter and libero, previously held by standout graduates Graci Murphy and Lynsey Bryant. “These positions require more than just technical skill—they demand leadership, court vision, and a strong voice,” said Jackson. “I’m confident we’ll find the right fit, but it will be one of our greatest challenges this season.”
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